New in Chicago: Unisex shoes, tea party catering and more

"New in Chicago" is just that: a listing of businesses getting off the ground in and around Chicago. Please send us your startup announcements. Email is best:[email protected].

Crain'scontributor Robert Loerzel brings you news of fresh local startups every Tuesday on Crain's blog for Chicago entrepreneurs.

OkCopay: Launched earlier this month, this Chicago-based search engine helps people shop for health care on the basis of price, convenience and physician credentials. The database covers more than 70 procedures with pricing details for more than 3,000 providers. The search engine is aimed at the approximately 20% of Chicagoans who are uninsured. “Patients rarely know the cost of their health care procedures and can't easily compare their medical options prior to receiving treatment,” founder J. Toure McCluskey says via email. OkCopay was recently named a finalist in the Apps for Metro Chicago contest.

BucketFeet: This new company makes “lightweight, unisex and super comfortable” shoes with artistic designs. Founder and Creative Director Aaron Firestein started drawing on white canvas sneakers as a college student, creating “wearable art.” Later, while volunteering to help poor children in Argentina, he sold a custom pair of shoes to fellow volunteer Raaja Nemani. Now located in Chicago, the two have launched BucketFeet as a brand featuring designs by Mr. Firestein as well as other artists from around the globe. Money from each BucketFeet purchase is contributed to partner non-profit groups that help children, including the Magic music program, Love.Futbol and Children Mending Hearts.

Image from the 2 Sparrows website

2 Sparrows: Two veterans of Charlie Trotter's are the partners running this new 60-seat breakfast and lunch restaurant at 553 W. Diversey Ave. in Lakeview: chef Gregory Ellis and General Manager Steven Fladung, who oversees service and beverages. Their continually evolving menu features ingredients from local farmers and artisans and drinks from the area’s distillers and brew masters. The space, designed by Moss Design, showcases pieces by Chicago artists.

Vapiano: This international restaurant chain has opened its first Chicago location, in Lincoln Park. The company calls its concept “fresh casual,” serving made-to-order, hand-tossed pizzas; fresh, house-made pasta; and hand-tossed gourmet salads. Vapiano’s president, founder and chairman, Gregor Gerlach, received an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. His company, with offices in McLean, Va., has restaurants in Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and England.

Piccadilly Tea: Lisa Berens and Meegan Scovell of Chicago recently started this tea party catering company. Ms. Berens says they bring a traditional tea experience into people’s homes for events such as bridal and baby showers, holiday parties, birthdays and luncheons. Tea sandwiches, scones, tea cakes, breads and desserts are served. “We do all the work,” she says. “All you have to do is invite some friends.”

Image from Miko's Flipside Café's website

Miko's Flipside Café: This “pop-up” cafe plans to stay open October through April, taking over the space occupied during the warmer months of the year by Miko’s Italian Ice, at 1846 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown.Run by Will Von Hartz — described on the shop’s website as “a laid-off IT director with a serious baking habit” — the cafe will serve coffee, mulled cider, cocoa, soups and sandwiches. Mr. Von Hartz also created the beer-bark dessert snaps sold at Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar, 954 N. California Ave.

Baker & Nosh: Bill Millholland’s bakery signed a lease last week for a space at 1303 W. Wilson Ave. in Uptown, with plans to open in December, according to its Facebook page. The shop’s logo promises “handmade breads and fine cheese.” Breakfast, lunch and coffee will be served.